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​Not too long ago, we reported the release of the latest member of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay line, the Black Bay Black, which has taken watch enthusiasts by storm with its undeniably cool color scheme that shouts out to some of the earliest, most coveted Rolex/Tudor Submariners. Nonetheless, the success of the Black Bay collection has in fact begun way before the introduction of the Black Bay Black. The first ever Black Bay, in red, has proven to be a massive commercial triumph when first unveiled back in 2012 for all the right reasons. The iconic "Sub" construction and appearance, the "Snowflake" watch hands, the striking crimson hue of the bezel and that CROWN without crown guard.

Sure, the Tudor Black Bay is incredible in itself (we will go on and explain in a minute), but it has also cemented its bigger status in the Tudor universe by becoming the undisputed flag-bearer in Tudor's repositioning/resurgence as a watchmaker with a distinct personality. Tudor's corporate strategy has continued and recently reached a milestone with its 2015 introduction of its first in-house movement, officially joining the elite squad of top watch brands with movement manufacturing capability.

We've had the chance to spend some time with the Tudor Black Bay last week and this, is our On the Wrist on the Tudor Black Bay in red. Let's check it out.

Left: Tudor Ref. 7922 | Right: The Tudor Black Bay

As any Lengbeau report goes, let's start off with a bit of a history lesson on what has inspired the Tudor Black Bay. In terms of overall styling, the Black Bay has clearly drawn heavy inspiration from their first ever Submariner model, the Ref. 7922, which is most evidently reflected in the similarity in the company logos (Tudor Rose), dial arrangement and the "big crown" (without crown guard) as seen in both timepieces. On a side note, you might now understand why the Tudor Black Bay Black released in 2015 has amassed so much support: it looks exactly like a modern reissue of the Ref. 7922!

Another watch - also a vintage Tudor Submariner - that influenced the Black Bay's conception from a design point of view, is the Tudor Submariner "Snowflake" (we've recommended a lovely Snowflake in our first Weekend Brunch Report). It's easy to see how. The "Snowflake" hour hand seen on the Black Bay clearly gives nod to the similarly styled original Submariner "Snowflake" in production in the 60s and 70s.

The Tudor Submariner "Snowflake"

Therefore it is fair to say the Tudor Black Bay has essentially internalized the most iconic features of 2 of the most revered vintage Tudors topped with modern aesthetics and a badass red bezel that surely makes a statement. The best part? With a modified ETA 2824 movement beating inside, the Black Bay could be had for a rather modest sum.

The Tudor Black Bay, when seen and worn in person, gave us mixed feelings, in the best possible sense. This is first and foremost a tool watch that's meant to be solidly constructed and it does really well in exuding a sense of utilitarian assertiveness that's as rugged as it feels reliable. Although the watch sits a little too thick on the wrist in our opinion, the build quality is a non-issue here and it could surely fit into the lifestyle of any daring adventurers amongst you.

On the other hand, the Tudor Black Bay also, to my surprise, feels very "warm", welcoming and almost instantly personal. Upon further investigation, I believe I've had a pretty good grasp of what it is. It's an impression created under the superb, pleasant combination of the red bezel and crown tube, as well as the dial which is adorned with solid rose gold surrounds. It is at that moment we realised the Tudor Black Bay is much more than just a diver intended to play its role in the coldest, deepest water, instead, it could feel perfectly at home when worn to more casual settings, for example in coffee shop for a lighthearted gathering with your close friends.

Tudor Black Bay and a cup of earl grey tea. Work well together.

As mentioned, powering the Tudor Black Bay is a modified ETA 2824 movement, which is widely acclaimed for its robustness and reliability. Maybe it's the knowledge that it's a no-frill "workhorse" movement doing its work for us, we felt very easy wearing the Black Bay - there's no pretence or nervousness handling this watch whatsoever. It is just a damn well built Tudor with all that details well articulated and executed, coupled with a respectable movement with a friendly price tag. Even the bracelet proves to be enjoyable to experience, succeeding the hallmark structural integrity and comfort found on every single Rolex/ Tudor on bracelet.

Let us not forget that lovely crown tube. A no-crown-guard crown tube is a feature rarely seen in Rolex/ Tudor's diver range any more, given it has been replaced by with with-crown-guard version long ago in exchange for better protection of the crown from external shock and impacts. Having said that, it is absolutely to our delight that Tudor is bringing back the "big crown" with red coating that's perfectly visible even when the crown is screwed down. It almost made us wanna just wind the watch manually just because we want to play around with the eye-catching crown tube a bit more. See that's how you could get personal with a watch very quickly.